On that short flight back to Kuwait and Camp Freedom, the Marines showed us some of the great work the Army Corps of Engineers had done in opening waterways throughout the countryside. Iraq had once been the breadbasket of the Middle East. Saddam turned off the water to control his enemies. Perhaps with the U.S. aid, Iraq could become a farm export country again.

As our plane exited the Iraqi air space, it was evident that these five members of the 1090 Iraq travel group had bonded in a way only we will know. It also was evident that our respect and love of the U.S. military grew significantly as we witnessed the incredible sacrifice these young men and women make for our country.

On this Memorial Day weekend, I urge each and every San Diegan to fly your flag and reach out to the military here. Say, “Thank you.”

Say, “Thank you for making this country the greatest in history.”

Say, “Thank you for your sacrifice.”

Say. “Thank you for making San Diego a better place in which to live.”